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Surfaces - why they should be kept clean
Tabletops serve many purposes - from storing books, magazines and the TV remote, to a place to do homework, place your food or drinks, or do present wrapping - you name it.
The point is that tabletops harbour germs as food is often placed (and spilled) on these surfaces. Food scraps often get left behind on tables, which, unless carefully cleaned, soon teem with bacteria, such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli and Clostridium perfringens.
Pets like cats can also jump up onto coffee tables and leave hair and dander lying around. Clutter on tabletops can also add to the problem.
How to keep surfaces clean
If you clean as you go, you will never get to the point where tabletops are a real problem. Let's face it, these are not storage spaces, even though they are convenient for putting all sorts of things on.
Remove all clutter from tabletops. Things like magazines should rather be stored in cupboards than on tabletops, where they gather dust. Pets should be kept off these surfaces.
Tabletops should be cleaned whenever food or drinks are spilled, otherwise they can become germ-laden and attract insects. To clean a tabletop, an anti-bacterial cleanser can be used. Use a clean sponge to clean the tabletop. Using a dirty cloth or sponge will simply make the problem worse, as you will merely be spreading the germs around. Dry the table with a paper towel.
Handy hint:
Baking soda neutralises acid-based odours in water, and absorbs odours from the air. Sprinkled on a damp sponge or cloth, baking soda can be used as a gentle nonabrasive cleanser for surfaces in the home.
